Sports: If you’re the athletic type, take your date skiing or snowboarding in this winter. In the spring try golf or tennis. Play on the same team against another couple, or have a cutthroat competition, loser takes care of dinner.

Picnic: Make some sandwiches, grab a bottle of wine, and head for a picturesque hillside. If you can’t get out of the city, scout out a well-maintained park, or even the rooftop of your apartment building. Dining alfresco adds an element of adventure, whether you’re in the back yard or up in the mountains.

Beach: Try a trip to the beach this winter. Before it’s filled with suntan oil and scantily clad spring-breakers, wrap up and visit just to enjoy the beauty of the mighty ocean and pristine beach. You might not fancy a dip, but you’ll still get the benefit of an exhilarating view. Collect the shells, not the jellyfish.

River: If you’re near a river, see what activities are readily available. Try canoeing in the cooler months, tubing if you want something relaxing, kayaking if you like something more active, or whitewater rafting if you’re looking for excitement.

Bike ride: Go on a short scenic ride through the park, explore mountain biking trails in your area, or cruise along the boardwalk of your town. You’ll work up an appetite for lunch and have plenty to talk about when you get there. Have a destination or path in mind before you start out—even if your plan changes, you’ll have something to fall back on if you run out of spontaneous inspiration.

Explore: a neighborhood in your city or a town you’ve never been to. Spend the day finding cafés and shops, people watching, and absorbing some local color. Do a little research first so you don’t end up somewhere you feel uncomfortable.

Bonfire: If you live in a part of the country where you don’t need burn permits, or if you do and they are easily obtainable, find or prepare a fire pit for a night of idle romance and contemplation. In a properly controlled setting (check out rules and tips here), fires provide a sexy backdrop for s’mores, music, and red wine. Bonus: try to find a location where stargazing is also possible.

Stargazing: Maybe you haven’t done it since you were a kid, or perhaps you own your own telescope. Consult a calendar or the Meteor Showers blog, drive out beyond the reach of city lights, and watch the next meteor shower. Be sure to bring something waterproof to lie down on, a thermos of something warm, and a date whom you trust not to get creepy.

Farmers/Flea Market: Spend the morning searching for treasure in a local farmers or flea market. Discover each other’s skills at haggling or a shared interest in antique bedsteads. Shop together for the makings of a sumptuous feast for two or a dinner party you’re throwing as a couple. Or shop for a vintage hat, a tablecloth, a baguette, and make it a picnic…

2. Listen as you would like to be listened to- Sure, some men may have a tendency to not listen, but how many times have we turned off the volume as they go off on some irrelevant story about one of their interests? We have to recognize that some things that seem irrelevant to us are important to them and vice versa.

3. Try to avoid escalating terms- As tempting as it is to unload every obscenity you know when your man really angers you, try to keep your language in check. Using cuss words only makes the situation more intense and increases the likely hood of verbal abuse turning into something physical.

4. Recognize your faults as well- When arguing I find it important to recognize and take responsibility for certain aspects that I could have done better. This concession makes the atmosphere one that sounds less like you sounding off from your high horse and more like a partner who wants to work things out.

5. Be sure to have these conversations in private- There are times when you may not have any fault in the matter and your man is just being stupid. For these times you should be able to vent your feelings, but DO NOT, under any circumstance let it become a public screaming match. Humiliating him and tearing at his pride in front of people is not going to make him understand your point, it will just make him go on the defensive. Your momentary freak out says much more about you then it does about him. If you have to unleash hell, wait till you get home, and even then try to practice rationality.

1. Beaches, Bikes & Bonfires

Drive to the beach with your bikes in the car (or you can rent bikes on the beach).  Have a light picnic packed: some crackers with bleu cheese and walnuts, hard boiled eggs, and chilled strawberries with cider (since champagne might not be allowed on the beach). Take a bike ride along the beach right before the sun sets. Don’t forget to bring some firewood and a blanket in case the beach has a bonfire pit where you and your sweetheart can lay in each other’s arms watching the sun melt behind the clouds.

2. Dinner for Two

Create a mixed CD or play list on your iPod of songs that evoke romance between the two of you. If you are the nostalgic type, choose songs that will bring back certain memories of you two together. When your significant other is out for a couple hours, prepare a homemade meal consisting of his/her favorite dishes. Set a small table up with candlesticks, place settings and a single flower on each chair. Time things so that when he/she walks in, the music is already playing softly. Don’t forget to have chilled wine and a favorite dessert to top off the dinner date.

3. Classic Movie Date

Instead of going to your local movie theater, do some research online to find places that are showing outdoor movies. Try for a matinée or late night show. If there are no outdoor movie venues in your area, look for an old fashioned drive-in. Choose a genre that you know both of you will thoroughly enjoy. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the modern blockbuster hits and see an old classic film. Bring pillows and blankets so you’re comfortable. To munch on, pack baggies of caramel corn and a thermos of coffee or lemonade. Get cozy and spend the night in front of the big screen while being under the stars.

4. Cooking Duo

Whether both of you know how to cook, only one of you, or neither, you can always spice things up by taking one night out to cook a meal together. Choose something different than the average dinner. Saute black olives and garlic in olive oil and then toss with some linguine. While one person is taking care of that task, the other can quickly boil some shrimp for shrimp cocktails as an appetizer. Have some french bread on the side (but not too much as it can be heavy and put you to sleep) and for dessert try some dessert wine like a Muscat Canelli. After everything is cooked and ready to eat, prepare a nice setting so the two of you can dine alone. The meal will taste that much sweeter knowing you two created it together.

5. Hike & Love Letters

Each of you can take an hour out of the week and separately put together 10 reasons why you love each other. Early Saturday morning, pack lunch, hiking gear and your letters and embark on a hike together. Plan the level of difficulty of the hike depending on how active the two of you are. The more challenging the better, as you will feel more accomplished by the time you reach the top. When the two of you have reached the highest and are about to sit down to eat and rest, pull out letters and take turns reading them to each other. Not only will you feel exhilarated from the hike, but it will have made the event memorable for both of you.

6. Hot Oil Massages with Rose Petals

Don’t want to go out anywhere? Get some store bought massage oil for a romantic night in. Try Lavender or Jasmine essential oil. If you want to get creative, buy some stones used for hot stone therapy. Strew the bedspread with fresh rose petals and on the dresser or side table, have some glasses filled with white wine infused with chopped strawberries soaking at the bottom of each glass. Take turns giving each other sensual massages. Heat the oil up by rubbing it between your palms. If you use hot stones, simply heat them up for 20 minutes in a crock pot or roasting pan. Keep them hot by placing them in a bowl filled with hot water. Gently place them on your partner’s body in areas that are sore or sensitive. This will put both of you in the mood and you will each appreciate the skill and warmth in each other’s hands.

7. Bed & Breakfast Cottage with Horseback Riding

Want to do something different? If you’re willing to splurge for a weekend with just the two of you, save up for a night at a bed and breakfast or romantic cottage somewhere out of town. Pack lightly but with just enough so the two of you are comfortable and equipped with everything you need on your weekend away. Don’t forget upbeat CDs that you know both of you will enjoy during the road trip. Try to book a place that has a ranch nearby so you can go horseback riding together. If not, look for interesting places in the area of the bed and breakfast that you two can go exploring in.

8. Recreating a Favorite Memory

Do you have a special first date? Or maybe it was down the line in your relationship but the memory has always stuck with you. Recreate that special day the two of you had. Be sure to bring a camera with you. Go to that same exact spot that made the sparks fly between the two of you. Go to the same restaurant you did before and chat about what you first chatted about the first time around. It will evoke feelings of nostalgia and also remind the two of you how far you’ve come and the reasons why you knew you were right for each other from that moment on.

9. Camping Right Outside

If the weather is right, set up a tent together in the backyard. On a portable radio or iPod, play romantic songs and slow dance to them under the stars. Have a thermos of hot cocoa to warm the two of you up. Get snuggled up inside the tent and stay up late into the night and just talk about things you want to do together in the near future. Keep the conversation light and playful but don’t be afraid to open your hearts to each other in the middle of the night.

10. Fun in the Snow

When it snows, get bundled up and ready for some fun in the powder. If you live where it doesn’t get cold enough to snow, try planning a trip just the two of you where you can rent a cabin for the night in an area that’s full of snow. Armed with energy after a hearty meal, prepare for a full on snow ball fight. Build your own forts far away from each other (but not too far) and begin bombarding each other with snow balls.  Afterward, take some time to create your very own snowman. Use little knick-knacks for the eyes, ears and nose. If you’re lucky enough, there will be a frozen pond nearby where you two can go ice-skating together. After coming home, drink hot cider to warm your insides and snuggle together by a fireplace.

2. Decide what you are willing to put up with, and what you are not. Again, this is all about communication. If you agree to a separation, or having a long distance relationship, for six months for work, or travel, or an illness in the family, would you agree to extend that time another six months for a vacation in the Bahamas? What if you agreed to a period of one year, and then your partner decided they didn’t want to move (back) to where you are? Gauging your personal tolerance for changing plans and periods of uncertainty can help you decide if a relationship is worth the effort. If you’ve met a great guy with dimples and blue eyes, can his charm withstand the strain of his passion for working on an oil rig and only visiting land once every two years? If you are the patient type, by all means, he’s a keeper. If you are living in expectation that he will change… someday, you might want to throw in the towel and find someone on the shore.

3. Talk regularly. It probably isn’t feasible, especially if one or both of you have a job, to stay in constant contact. And even a telephone call every night might push the boundaries of reasonable expectation. But it is not ridiculous to insist on a weekly chat, however busy either of you may be during the rest of the time, to touch base and exchange messages of love and reassurance. In a long distance relationship, geographical space often opens up wide vistas for the imagination to invent scenarios of infidelity or a lack of interest where there is none, and the distance makes it harder for a person to reassure their partner of their love and fidelity. Thus, adhering to a weekly (or whatever time frame is deemed acceptable) phone call becomes both an act of reassurance, a mark of respect, and a pleasant interlude with the one you love. If you cannot phone, email, instant messaging, and Skype are terrific Internet alternatives, and an old-fashioned letter can be a deeply affecting and effective means of communication.

4.  Plan for the un/expected. Perhaps this is morbid, and probably of different value to different readers, but think (not too long! don’t dwell on it!) about what you would do if the relationship doesn’t work out. That is not to say, look around for the next in line and start auditioning replacements for Mr. Long Distance. But what will YOU do if the status of the relationship changes. Would you still move to Australia if you broke up with your Aussie sweetheart? Or would you opt to move (or stay) closer to your family and friends? And if you are planning on moving in together, or back towards each other at the end of the long distance period, do you need to be looking for apartments, or a new job? Are you moving in together, or moving his stuff out of your place? In an emotional situation, having a few logical steps in place to follow can help the process along without the added stress of “what now?”

5.  Make every visit special. If you haven’t seen your honey in several months, make some plans for the two of you. You may think that you will spend the week gazing into each other’s eyes, but unless you’re in a new relationship that might not happen. And for the rest of the week you’re both bored out of your minds, or turn back to your computer, and you don’t get the full benefit of each other’s company. This is especially true if you’re in a rural area, or a small town where there is less to do on short notice. If you are in a big city, go ahead and make reservations at a restaurant you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Plan a camping trip or a day on the river if you’re in the country. Take him to a hotel on the beach, and make sure you get the room with the Jacuzzi.

6.  Work on your relationship with yourself. Finding yourself alone for a period after seeing your honey day-to-day can leave a great deal of time to fill. Don’t let yourself mope; think about what you would really like to do—for you. Spending your free time in a constructive manner can help fend off the blues and even make you a more interesting person. How impressive would you be if you could spin poi? Or play the piano you haven’t touched in twenty years? Or speak Mandarin, French, and Russian? Of course, developing your relationship with yourself isn’t about impressing any one, but with exploring your own interests. Becoming a more interesting person is merely a happy side effect. If the erstwhile partner returns to a woman who has gleefully occupied her time with Proust and finds he doesn’t like her familiarity with French symbolism, perhaps he is a bit shallow, n’est-ce pas?

1. The Ladies Man- This agent might be the most easily identified. With his good looks and charming ways, he often leaves a trail of broken hearted women in his path. Be aware of disgruntled exes and “the word on the street.” While you shouldn’t judge a man based on reputation alone remember that he probably didn’t get such a reputation without earning it.

2. The Unhappy Taken Man- Who hasn’t fallen for the line “my girlfriend/wife and I are going through a rough patch, we are practically over?” No matter how much he insist his wife or girlfriend doesn’t understand him like you do, be savvy to his game. True he may be interested in dating you but do you think that you are the only one he is feeding this line to? If he is willing to betray the trust of his significant other (with whom he has history) what makes you think he won’t do it to you?

3. The Aggressive Type- This type should go without saying but sadly, thousands of women find themselves in relationships that are abusive. By abusive I don’t just mean hitting or beating, I mean emotional and sexual as well. Beware the signs of an aggressive man. Don’t allow yourself to be wooed by a man who wants to own you instead of love you.

4. The Self Obsessed Oblivious Sort- This fellow might be a little more difficult to identify. This is the man who goes about his day oblivious to your wants, feelings and needs. This is the man who aims to please himself during sexual encounters without concern towards your gratification. While this type has potential to change under the right circumstances, one must consider the thought that consideration is preferably inherent not forced. If he isn’t considerate while you are dating what makes you think he will be considerate once you marry him? There are times you might be sick or need his help. You will want him to give that naturally, not because you kicked and screamed to get it.

5. The Man Who is Never Pleased- Ever met that guy who seems to return every meal he gets at a restaurant because of some small imperfection? Or how about the guy who gets pleasure out of picking at the flaws of passerbys? These men are constantly analyzing and criticizing the things around them without thought to their own imperfections. Beware of this man. It is just a matter or time before he turns that skeptical eye to you and your “imperfect” body or not so trendy clothes. You want someone who loves you for you and not who they want you to be. Don’t change yourself to please someone who can’t be pleased.

1. Have a girl’s night out and celebrate your freedom with other single women. Go out for dinner and drinks and declare it a “Man free night”, which means no moping or complaining about past love, just lots of girl time fun and gossip.

2. Many clubs and bars have singles nights on Valentine’s Day.  In a club men and women who are not out on romantic dates can get together and party.  So get dressed up in your best club wear, go out with your girls, and meet other singles in a fun and adventurous setting. Find clubs in your area on the web.

3. Lot’s of women are known to send themselves flowers and candy on Valentine’s Day, to feel better about not receiving anything. Try having a “Secret Santa” of sorts for Valentine’s with your girlfriends, so that each of you can receive a special small gift.

4. On a day that you may be feeling a little down on yourself trying volunteering or donating to help those in need. Nothing makes a person feel better than the feeling of helping others. It is proven that volunteers are healthier and live longer than those that don’t volunteer.

5. Go for a run or to the gym. It is proven that exercise makes a person feel better, and just maybe, you may get the confidence you need to meet someone. Not to mention exercise makes your skin look better and you will sleep better too.

6. Have a sexy man movie fest. Get your girls together and watch movies staring your favorite sexy actors. Have a fun time with the ladies, while drooling over some gorgeous guys. Double the fun with cocktails!

7. Host a singles party. Have everyone bring a friend and let your single friends meet, hang out, and mingle. With more people, there is more of a chance you or your friends could meet someone. Have Valentine’s theme drinks, foods and play fun, upbeat music.

8. Catch up on your rest. Stay home and relax in a nice bath, watch TV, and get to bed early. Imagine how great you will feel after a full night of rest.

9.  Have a date night with yourself. Rent your favorite movie, order your favorite takeout,, and put on your favorite pajamas.

10.  Book a day at the spa. Spend the money you would normally spend on a boyfriend, on yourself. Get yourself all of the essentials, a facial, pedicure, manicure, or even get your hair done. You’ll end your day feeling and looking great!

To start if you can find it at a pharmacy, it is not a good gift. So don’t even consider those “hot stuff” boxers.

Many women turn to the more common stand by gift of buying their guy candy. Candy is always nice, but you cannot buy him a $4.99 box of Whitman’s when he is going to get you a nice piece of jewelry.

If you want to go the way of chocolate as a gift, check out L.A. Burdick’s handmade chocolates. L.A. Burdick is famous for their popular chocolate mice and chocolate penguins, which appeal to your guy’s cute side, but are still made of manly dark chocolate.  They also use unique ingredients in their candies such as port wine, rose hips, and chamomile, which makes them extra delectable. Their Valentine’s Day collection has gifts ranging in price from $12 to $48. Visit their website at www.burdickchocolate.com/.

If you are looking for something a little longer lasting or a little more personal try shopping at Things Remembered. Things Remembered stores and kiosks are in most malls and are filled with all different types of gifts that can be personalized. Whether your man is into golf, cigars, or he’s a little more feminine; there is a gift for every guy. No man could resist a flask with his initials, or if you want to be more romantic engrave both of your names on a pocket watch or credit card case, so that he can carry a reminder of you with him daily. Visit Things Remembered at www.thingsremembered.com.

If you still haven’t found the perfect gift for your man, (or even if you have) than buy a gift for both him and yourself with the Kama Sutra line of products. The Kama Sutra line is not as risqué as it sounds; it is a line of romance inspiring spa products. The Kama Sutra line carries high quality products with scents and sensations like no other. Inspire many nights of passion with these awe-inspiring oils, lotions, and “honey dust”.  Order online at www.kamasutra.com/ or purchase at select spas and specialty stores. Gift set prices range from $21.99 to $69.99.

If you are looking for gift that is a bit sexier, women of all sizes can find intimate wear ranging from pretty to risqué at Frederick’s of Hollywood. Unlike the more commonly known Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s is a little wilder and caters more to larger women. Sizes at Frederick’s range from bra sizes 32A to 38F and lingerie from small to 3X, but most of their lingerie tends be geared towards larger women. Find Fredericks in many malls or on the web at www.fredericks.com/.

If the gift you are looking for is not for a boyfriend or husband there are many great gifts to be found for the other men on your life. www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/ is a great place to find gifts for brothers or fathers. NBC picked gourmetgiftbaskets.com as the best holiday sight for gift baskets and have been featured in many serious publications, which are listed on their website. These baskets are guaranteed to arrive on time, on the date that you pick and are filled with all sorts of goodies ranging from beer to golf balls. Take a look at the Around the World gift basket, which is filled with 12 beers from around the world and all sorts of snacks.

Whatever you price range, there are gifts for every guy available from these fine companies. So just remember when you pass by one of those flash dancing gorillas or magnetic kissing stuffed dogs, there are better gifts out there, gifts he would actually like.